*Video posted from Eudora Community Church due to streaming issues
When Jesus walked with His disciples, He didn't hide from them what following Him would mean.
John 16:33
This past week Charlie Kirk was assassinated for speaking truth and encouraging conversation. It is a reminder that Jesus' words are still true. Following Him will bring trials. Standing for truth will bring opposition. But those trials don't stop our mission, they sharper it and bring it into focus.
The call on the Church is not just to declare truth but to live out the love of Jesus.
People may silence voices, they may try to stop the messages, but the Gospel cannot be stopped because it is carried on the shoulders of love. Love will not be overcome by evil.
That is why we exist as a church. Not to win arguments. Not to retreat in fear. But to bring people to Jesus because of the love we have received and the love we now carry for others.
The Church exists to love people into wholeness through Jesus.
The problem is, if we don't define love the way God defines it, we'll end up with a shallow version that doesn't change anything. The love the Bible talks about isn't cheap or casual. It's costly. It's steady. It's the kind of love Jesus shed His blood for.
Acts 20:28
Paul is in Miletus calling for elders of the church near by Epheus to come meet him. He knows this is the last time he'll ever see them.
Think about that: These people are disciples of his. He has prayed over them, shed tears with them, and broke bread with them hundred of times. He loves them deeply, and now he is giving his farewell message.
In Acts 20, Paul reminds them of his own example:
- He served the Lord with humility and tears.
- He never hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful.
- He taught both publicly and from house to house.
- He testified to everyone about repentance and faith in Jesus.
- Then Paul tells them that the Holy Spirit has warned him that prison and hardship are ahead. Paul is still going to finish the race God gave him.
This is a dying man's last wish. It is heavy and urgent.
Why does this matter today?
Because the same Spirit who made them overseers has plaved us in this generation. The same blood that purchased them purached us. And the same call to shepherd, to care, to love sacraficially, still rests on the Church right now.
If Paul were here today, I think he would say:
- Church, keep watch over yourselves, don't let your own hearts grow cold.
- Church, shepherd one another. Carry each others burders, love with Christ's love.
- Church, remember this church was bought with His blood. Never treat people like they're cheap.
In other words, Acts 20: 28 is not just history but marching orders.
The Church is not just a crowd of people listening to sermons. We are people who have been purchased by Jesus blood. That is how precious people are to God.
Love is MORE than Words.
1 Corinithians 13
John 15:13
Romans 5:8
Those are love, not just words. Love is costly, steady, and sacraficial.
So how do we live out that love?
- Patience: with your kids when they push every button you have
- Kindess: with co-workers who gossip about you
- Forgiveness: with family who've hurt you
- Endurance: when it feels earsier to walk away than stay committed.
The world says love is about how someone makes you feel. God says love is about what you give.
Remember Jesus and Zacchaeus in Luke 19?
Love opened the door for truth in this story. Truth + Love = Wholeness
That's our model. That's what people need from us.
Truth without Love is ignored.
Love is what opens the heart so truth can take root.
Think of your "one".
Now the question is: how will you walk in love toward them this week?
- Will you be patient when they resist?
- Will you show kindess when they don't deserve it?
- Will you serve them even when its costs you time or energy?
Truth + Love = Transformation
Make us a Church marked by love, so that when they see us, they see Jesus.
Remember:
- Jesus, You purchased us with Your blood.
- We will shepherd people with Your kind of love.
- We say yes to being a church marked by love.
- Use us to love people into wholeness.
